2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs 2022 GMC Canyon

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 was a versatile full-size pickup truck, offering three cab styles, three bed lengths, and eight trim levels, each with a unique appearance. It came with six engine options paired with various automatic transmissions, and while rear-wheel drive was standard, four-wheel drive was available. Our test model featured a crew cab, short bed, and LTZ trim, equipped with a 3.0-litre inline-six Duramax turbodiesel engine, 4WD, and several premium packages, bringing the price to an estimated $75,838 Canadian. The Silverado boasted a commanding presence with its boxy design, Northsky Blue paint, and polished aluminum wheels. However, the interior felt outdated, with glossy plastic and small infotainment screens, lacking the quality and sophistication expected in a modern truck.

The 2022 GMC Canyon, a midsize pickup, offered a premium look, especially in the Denali trim, with features like a chrome grille, 20-inch alloy wheels, and a Bose audio system. The AT4 off-road version also provided premium touches, such as a black chrome grille and premium leather seats. While the lower trims had more standard materials, the Canyon's overall material quality was above average for its class. The cabin was spacious, particularly in the crew cab form, and the AT4's off-road features made it a capable and luxurious choice for adventurous drivers.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered a range of engines, with the 6.2-litre Ecotec3 V8 providing maximum towing capability and a satisfying rumble. However, the 3.0-litre Duramax turbodiesel was a standout for its fuel efficiency and torque, delivering 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. It had a towing capacity of 4,309 kg and a payload capacity of 848 kg, though these figures were lower than the Silverado's maximum capabilities. The 10-speed automatic transmission paired with the Duramax was flawless, and the Z71 Off-Road Package was recommended for better suspension control. The Silverado's standard suspension was firm but allowed for unsettling body movement on highways and rough terrain.

The 2022 GMC Canyon offered three powertrains: a 200-hp 2.5-litre four-cylinder, a 308-hp 3.6-litre V6, and a 181-hp 2.8-litre Duramax turbodiesel with 369 lb-ft of torque. The V6 engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic, provided abundant power, while the turbodiesel was robust in towing and fuel efficiency. The AT4's off-road tires and suspension offered stable handling and off-road capability, with features like an electronic transfer case and hill-descent control. The Canyon felt solid on and off the pavement, making it a versatile choice for various driving conditions.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 crew cab offered a spacious interior with wide, supportive front seats and ample rear-seat space. However, the interior lacked innovation, with small storage areas and outdated design elements. The cargo bed was deep and roomy, with useful features like a CornerStep rear bumper and tie-down hooks. The optional Multi-Flex tailgate added versatility, though our test truck had a remote power-down tailgate instead.

The 2022 GMC Canyon, available in extended and crew cab forms, provided a spacious cabin, especially in the crew cab. The rear folding bench seat allowed for additional storage, and the crossover SUV-like seat height made entry and exit easy. The AT4 trim offered power-adjustable front seats, a heated steering wheel, and excellent visibility. The cargo bed featured two-tier loading and 13 tie-down points, with an integrated corner step rear bumper for easy access.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 featured the Chevrolet Infotainment System 3, with 7-inch and 8-inch screens. The system was quick and responsive, with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. The LTZ trim offered a larger 8-inch HD display, wireless smartphone integration, and a Bose premium sound system. The Silverado also had a head-up display and numerous trailering technologies, though they fell short compared to competitors.

The 2022 GMC Canyon's technology offerings varied by trim, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen on the Elevation Standard and an 8-inch screen on higher trims. The AT4 trim included a wireless charging pad, while the Denali added navigation and a high-definition rearview camera. The optional GMC infotainment system with navigation was user-friendly, and the Bose audio system provided excellent sound quality.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 had a "Marginal" rating from the IIHS for front passenger protection and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It offered safety features like forward collision alert, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring, with optional upgrades like adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning. However, it lacked advanced features like stop-and-go capability and lane-centering assistance.

The 2022 GMC Canyon's safety features varied by trim, with the base model lacking advanced driver aids. The Driver Alert package, available on higher trims, included forward-collision alert and lane-departure warning. The Canyon received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings in most IIHS crash tests, though it had a "Poor" rating for its headlights and front crash prevention.